Senior Reflects on Growth during Hutchison Tradition
A special wave between our first graders and seniors brings back treasured memories for Ellie Bailey ’26, who came to Hutchison in first grade.
Ellie started at Hutchison as a shy girl who didn’t know what opportunities would come her way. At the start of her senior year, she is a confident leader of the Class of 2026, serving as senior class vice president, playing on the varsity soccer team, and exploring her interest in sports medicine.
“I was nervous because I moved from out of state, but when I came to Hutchison, everyone was incredibly welcoming. It’s a special place,” Ellie said. “I can truly be myself around everyone. The students and staff have helped me grow as a person.”
Like Ellie, some of our seniors stood where our first graders were almost 12 years ago. The wave between the Class of 2026 and Class of 2037 represents a powerful moment of reflection for our seniors as they start their final year at Hutchison, as well as a glimpse for our first graders of what their futures could be. This tradition touches our hearts every time!
“I remember feeling excited for the journey to come, since you can see every other grade sitting with you in the gym. I also remember looking forward to being a senior, since I felt so young at the time and ready to grow up,” she said.
“Hutchison helped me grow my confidence in myself. There are so many different leadership positions or opportunities to step out of your comfort zone and put yourself out there. I remember in first grade through probably middle school, I was really shy and really nervous, but now being a senior, I can definitely see a difference in my confidence, which I think I am most grateful for.”
Congratulations to the 18 middle and upper school girls who won Scholastic Writing Awards in the recent Alliance for Young Artists & Writers competition!
The best coaches teach you lessons that last long after the final buzzer. Ten alumnae hope to impart what they learned through Hutchison athletics by coaching girls in sports such as soccer, basketball, lacrosse, and volleyball.
Hutchison Now highlights graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Hannah Freeman ’20, a trade and investment officer for healthcare and life sciences at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.
While studying dinosaurs, Anne Willson’s pre-kindergarten class became interested in volcanoes. They worked together to build their own and joyfully watched their creation erupt.
Hutchison Now highlights recent graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Kelley Guinn McArtor ’12, a brand marketing director at PepsiCo in New York.
Molly, a nationally recognized midfielder, signed her National Letter of Intent to play Division I soccer. She credits Hutchison with helping her build a strong work ethic and providing training and recovery opportunities in the Crain Center.
How does Hutchison support student well-being? During an Independent Schools Management webinar on school leadership, Head of School Dr. Kristen Ring shared with educators how Hutchison is responding to evolving student needs with clarity, consistency, and care.
Since joining Hutchison in 2020, Chief Financial Officer Melissa Baker has exemplified what it means to be a mission-driven, forward-thinking financial leader. She was a finalist for the 2025 CFO of the Year award from the Memphis Business Journal and was featured in its October 24, 2025, edition and online.
One of the best ways to narrow down career interests is through experience, and the Institute for Responsible Citizenship provided our freshmen and sophomores with a closer look at the possibilities.
Two alumnae—Shubhi Singh ’22 and Francie Sentilles ’17—have taken their world language skills far beyond Hutchison classrooms, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where they both attended, to countries around the world.